About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Interrelated Extremes in Materials Degradation for Fission and Fusion Environments
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| Presentation Title |
Three Dimensional Characterization of the Microstructures of PWR Baffle Former Bolts After 40 years in Service |
| Author(s) |
James F. Stubbins, Timothy Lach, Maxim Gussev, Xiang Chen, Xuan Zhang, Peter Kenesei, Matthew Kasemer |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
James F. Stubbins |
| Abstract Scope |
In-service degradation of reactor internal materials is a major issue for extending reactor service lives. Degradation can take the form of irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking, loss of function through stress relaxation, or radiation-induced elongation under load, potentially limiting the functionality of core components. Here, we examine 316 stainless steel baffle-former bolts harvested from one pressurized water reactor in service after 40 years, receiving doses up to 41 dpa at temperatures around 300°C. This research comprises a mix of advanced characterization techniques, including electron microscopy and high energy X-ray microscopy at the Advanced Photon Source, coordinated with crystal plasticity finite element modeling. These techniques together enable 3D reconstructions of the critical sections of the exposed bolts, where grain structures, internal stress states, oxide scales, and other microstructural features can be characterized and deformation states mapped. This approach will demonstrate the potential for full 3D characterization of complex materials microstructures. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Environmental Effects, Nuclear Materials, Mechanical Properties |